The Southborough Fire Department has shared more information on the passing of Firefighter and Paramedic Kenneth Strong (#44).

Although the official obituary for Kenneth Strong wasn’t published yet, yesterday afternoon the SFD issued a statement with arrangement details.

As an Active Duty Member of the SFD, Strong will be buried with full Firefighter Honors:

On Thursday, May 7, 2015, the Southborough Fire Department lost an active duty member of the Department. Firefighter/Paramedic Kenneth R. Strong (Badge Number 44) passed away unexpectedly at his home at the age of 43. Ken was hired by the Department in August 2001. He was currently assigned to Group 3. During his career Ken served as the Departments’ Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Coordinator and one of four Shift-Officers-in-Charge (OIC). Ken was a dedicated member of the Southborough Permanent Firefighter’s Association, International Association of Fire Firefighters (IAFF) Local 3129, serving as Treasure for 10 years.

Ken is survived by his partner Robert, two sons, Joey & Christopher, his Mother and Sister.

Funeral arrangements for Firefighter/Paramedic Kenneth R. Strong are noted below. Ken will be buried with full Firefighter Honors as an Active Duty Member of the Fire Service.The members’ of the Southborough Fire Department are stunned and saddened by the sudden loss of Ken and are relying on each other as a Firefighter Family (Brotherhood/Sisterhood). Members of the Department and Local 3129 are supporting Ken’s family and helping them get through these first few tough days. As is tradition in the Fire Service, members of Ken’s family are considered to be part of our fire department family. The members of the Southborough Fire Department will continue to support the Strong family for as long as they wish no matter how many years or decades that may be.

The wake will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2015, from 4:00pm – 8:00pm at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden, MA. A firefighter walkthrough will commence at 3:45pm. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, May 15, 2015, at 10:00am at the Miles Funeral Home. A precession and burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, 260 Cambridge Street, Worcester, MA.

The Southborough Fire Departments kindly asks the public to keep Ken and his family in their prayers as well as his brothers and sisters of the Department.

Updated (5/12/15 11:30 am): Since my original writing and scheduling of this post, Southborough Wicked Local published a feature interviewing Strong’s fellow firefighters. You can read their fond and respectful remembrances here.

And Miles Funeral Home has released Strong’s official obituary:

Kenneth R. Strong, 43, of Oxford, passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at his home in Oxford. Born in Holden and raised in Princeton, Ken was the son of Robert A. and Beverly A. (Yoder) Strong and lived 10 years in Oxford.

He leaves his partner with whom he lived, Robert V. Ackerman, Jr.; their two children, Christopher T. and Joseph R. Ackerman – Strong; his mother, Beverly A. (Yoder) Strong of Oxford; a sister, Leigh – Ann M. Strong of Rutland; his father and mother-in-law, Robert V. and Sandra Ackerman of Rutland; a sister-in-law. Meagan M. Ackerman of Rutland; nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins. His father, Robert A. Strong predeceased him.

Ken graduated from Wachusett Regional High School in 1989 and attended Quinsigamond Community College and Northeastern University’s Para Medicine Program. He started his career as a firefighter with the Princeton Fire Department as an on-call firefighter. He later went to work for Patriot Ambulance Co. in Hudson as an paramedic where he worked for several years and was presently working there part time. In 2001, Ken joined the Southborough Fire Department where he has served as a firefighter and paramedic for the last 14 years.

He enjoyed any activity that would bring him outdoors including mountain biking, boating, four-wheeling and skiing. Ken liked staying busy. He particularly enjoyed working at home on his cars and spending time in his backyard with family and friends. He was proud of his children and their accomplishments and especially looked forward to watching them playing youth sports. Ken was a well respected firefighter and paramedic and loved his job. He was a devoted family man and will remembered for his kind and selfless nature.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Ken’s family from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden. A funeral service honoring his life will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 15 at the funeral home. Interment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, 260 Cambridge Street, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ackerman-Strong Memorial Fund (to benefit his children), c/o St. Mary’s Credit Union 439 A Main Street, Hudson, MA 01749.

(Images posted to Facebook by Southborough Fire Department)

Joseph Raymond Minville, 90, of Southborough died May 6, 2015 after a brief illness.

He was the husband of Dorothy (See) Minville who predeceased him in 2005. Born in South Swansea, Massachusetts, he was the son of Maxime A. Minville and Blanche (Courchaine) Minville.

On December 7, 1941 he left Joseph Case High School in his senior year to join the U.S. Navy on December 16, 1941, and served until October 23, 1945.

After basic training he attended service school in Norfolk Virginia, graduating as a parachute rigger 3rd class, and served aboard the U.S.S. Independence Cvl-22. He participated in strikes against Marcus and Wake Islands, then Rabaul on the way to the Gilberts.

On November 20, 1943 the ship was torpedoed during the invasion of Tarawa. After extensive repairs, the Independence re-emerged as our nation’s first dedicated night carrier. Joe went to gunnery school at Camp Waianae, Hawaii, and became a coxswain and gun captain. Over the course of his action in the South Pacific, he received numerous medals and ten battle stars.

He reenlisted in June 1946 and was assigned to the naval research lab where he ran LCM’s, motor launches, a 90-foot patrol boat, an air/sea boat, and other vessels as required for experiments on Chesapeake Bay. He was discharged on April 10, 1948.

Joe was a licensed merchant marine officer and sailed for American Export Lines.

He entered Boston University in 1953 and received Bachelors and Masters degrees in Geology in 1956. He worked for the Perini Corporation as a Project Engineer, Estimator and in the claims division on various dams, tunnels, highway projects and power plants from 1957 until his retirement in 1984. 

He is survived by his son Joseph Minville and his wife Margaret, his daughter Sarah DiNardo and Randall Petersen, his grandchildren Jonathan Minville and his wife Melinda, Jennifer Sather and her husband Joel, Andrew Minville and his wife Michelle, and Paul DiNardo, Jr. along with two great-grandchildren Jonathan Jr. and Ariana, his sisters, Claire Fay, Theresa Dzialo and Pauline Rocha, his brother Captain Roger Minville and his wife Colette, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Joe, “Ray” as he was known to his family and close friends, was beloved by many and will be missed.

Funeral arrangements are private. Donations may be made in his name to the Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA.

(Obituary and photo via Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home)

Francoise M. (Tasse) Spayne, 85, of Southborough, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2015. She was the beloved wife for 48 years of the late Robert W. Spayne who passed away in 2010. Born and raised in Worcester, she was the daughter of the late Dr. J. Rene and Jeanne (Laurendeau) Tasse.

She is survived by her brothers Rene Tasse of Pennsylvania; Jean Tasse of Worcester; her daughter Elizabeth Spayne of Natick; her son Robert T. Spayne and his wife Maria Ballesteros-Sola of Westlake Village, CA; her grandchildren Robert Jon and Ignacio Tasse Spayne and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her sisters Denyse (Tasse) Courtney and Monique (Tasse) Miville.

Fran received her Bachelor’s degree in 1953 from Anna Maria College in Paxton where she was valedictorian and served as a class officer. She was a life-long learner who also took classes at Assumption College. Until marrying and starting her family, Fran worked as a first grade teacher in Northborough and in her father’s dental office in Worcester. Devoted to her family, Fran was also active in Southborough’s civic affairs serving as an election officer and oversaw her husband’s successful campaigns for Southborough School Committee. She helped start and edit the first edition of the Southborough Villager, a local newspaper where she also wrote news stories and had her own book review column, “Fran Spayne Reviews.” A voracious reader, Fran volunteered, and then worked on staff, at the Southborough Library for many years. After retirement, Fran spent time working on projects with her husband, translating family history, gushing about her grandkids and traveling to Europe. Her kind and generous heart, her penchant for learning, her sharp wit and her signature desserts will be missed by all.

A funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, May 20, at 11:00 AM at St. Matthew Church, 26 Highland Street, Southborough. Burial will follow in the Southborough Rural Cemetery.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, May 20, from 9:00-10:30 AM at the Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main Street (Route 30), Southborough.

An expression of sympathy or a memorial donation may be made to the Friends of the Southborough Library, 25 Main Street, Southborough, MA 01772.

(Obituary via Morris Funeral Home and photo via Legacy.com)

Raymond E. Coldwell, also known as “Bubba”, died at the age of 74 in his hometown of Southborough on May 11, 2015 after a yearlong battle with Mesothelioma. He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Mary, his sister, Sally his brother Red, his daughters Chrissy and Cathy and their spouses Bernie and John and his granddaughters: Thea, Lin, Julia and Soph.

Ray was a compassionate and respected man, who was an active member of Pilgrim Church in Southborough and a friend to First Community Church in Southborough and to Saints Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church in Marlborough. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend. He enjoyed spending time with his family and was an avid reader who loved the outdoors, music and traveling. He was loved by everyone who knew him and will be remembered for his kindness, generosity gentle spirit and loving heart. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Pilgrim Church, 15 Common Street, Southborough, Ma. Reception to follow immediately afterwards in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either Pilgrim Church or First Community Church. Funeral arrangements are in the care of the John P. Rowe Funeral Home Inc., 57 Main Street, Marlborough, Ma 01752.

(Obituary via Legacy.com)

Southborough firefighters continue to remember their late “brother”, Ken Strong.

On Facebook, the SFD shared a link to photos of the full honors service, taken by Fully Involved Fire Photos. The post promises to “treasure these forever.”

The department also thanked neighboring towns for covering their services that day, and the community for its support.

(Photo from SFD Facebook page)

James H. Nutter, III, 84, of Southborough died after suddenly being stricken ill on Sunday, May 17, 2015.

Born in Fords, NJ, he was the son of the late James H. and Mary (Howie) Nutter, Jr.

Mr. Nutter was a 1952 graduate of Tufts University and worked for over 30 years as a chemical engineer for the former Betz Entec. He was an active member of the Southborough Senior Citizens, where he performed many day to day duties. Jim was also an active member of the United Brethren Lodge of Marlborough and was a Master Mason for many years. In addition, he was member of the Southborough Rod and Gun Club, G.O.A.L., and a lifelong member of both the NRA and Colonial Craftsmen Club of Colonial MA.

He filled his time with helping people. His local family will miss him deeply. 

He is survived by his children, James H. Nutter, IV and his wife Mary Lu of N. Grafton; Cecilia Miles of FL; his grandchildren, James Nutter of Salem; Eric Nutter of N. Grafton; Joshua Nutter of Almeda, CA; and Nicole and Samantha Miles.

He is predeceased by a son, David Nutter.

All services will be private

Memorial contributions may be sent in his memory to Southborough Senior Citizens, 9 Cordaville Road, Southborough, MA 01772

Arrangements are under the care of the Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main St., Southborough.

To leave words of condolence to the family, please visit Morrisfuneralparlor.com

(Obituary and photo via telegram.com)

Virginia M. (Harris) Nemensky, 92, of Southborough passed away peacefully on Monday, May 25, 2015, after a short period of declining health.

She was the devoted wife of the late Francis J. Nemensky who passed away in 1986.

Virginia was a graduate of the former Girls’ High School in Boston. She worked as a secretary in Washington, D.C. during World War II and later was a medical secretary for the VA hospital of West Roxbury until she married and raised her family. Virginia and her husband took pleasure spending time and entertaining their families at their home. She also enjoyed her Friday evenings at Carbone’s.

She is survived by her children, Barbara Mee and her husband Bill of Londonderry , NH; Jack Nemensky and his companion Susan Gardner of Southborough; Patricia Joyce of Clifton Park, NY; her grandsons, Robert Mee and William Joyce; a sister in law Irene Harris of Wilmington; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her brothers Frederick, Paul, Gerard and Leo Harris; and a son in law, Bill Joyce.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, May 31 from 3 to 7 PM at the Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main Street, Southborough.

A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, June 1 at 11 AM at St. Matthew Church, 26 Highland St., Southborough. Burial will be on Tuesday June 2 at 11 AM at Holyhood Cemetery in Brookline.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent in her memory to the Southborough Food Pantry,
P. O. Box 281, Southborough, MA 01772 .

To leave words with of condolences for the family please visit morrisfuneralparlor.com.

(Obituary via Morris Funeral Home)

John William Pendergast “Jack” of Southborough, MA, passed away, in his home, on May 28, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer. At the time of his passing, he was in the loving presence of his wife, Beth Wittcoff, his two sons Brian and David, and his brother Mark.

Born in Worcester on November 21, 1951, he was the loving son of William and Barbara (Brown) Pendergast. After growing up in Whitinsville, he graduated from Northbridge High School in 1969 and continued on to Clark University from which he graduated in 1973 with a degree in Economics. Pursuing a career in the law, Jack journeyed to Boston where he earned his Juris Doctorate in 1976, at Suffolk University. He returned to Whitinsville to open his own law practice in 1978 where he actively practiced family and criminal law until earlier this year. He was especially proud of his work in juvenile defense. Jack had a strong sense of social justice and truly was everyone’s biggest advocate.

He is survived by his wife, Beth Witcoff, Principal of the Annie Sullivan Middle School in Franklin; two sons, Brian and David Pendergast; and a brother, Mark Pendergast. 

With his family he enjoyed taking trips to St. Louis, Florida and Story Land. They also enjoyed playing golf, and talking about sports and politics. The proudest days of Jack’s life were when his two sons Brian (29) and David (26) were born. He enjoyed watching them grow up, faithfully coaching and attending their sporting events, and seeing them become the fine young men they have become today.

Relatives and Friends are invited to join his family for Calling Hours on Wednesday, June 3, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center at www.splcenter.org, the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org, and the American Diabetes Foundation at www.diabetes.org.

There is an online guest book at www.mercadantefuneral.com

(Obituary and photo via Mercadante Funeral Home and Chapel>funeral home linked to website)

Mr. Edmund W. Shaw, 99, of Westborough and formerly of Southborough, died peacefully on June 9, 2015. He is predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Mildred Genthner Shaw who passed a way in 2011 and his son, Edmund W. Shaw, Jr. who passed away just recently.

Ed is survived by his daughter, Merrill Cragin and her husband Mark.

Born on February 1, 1916 to the late Clarence and Grace Shaw, and was raised in Framingham. Ed was a 1933 graduate from Framingham High School and went on to graduate from Harvard University in 1937. Early in his career, Mr. Shaw was employed by the Dennison Manufacturing Company. Later he became Vice President at the Framingham Trust Company and retired in 1976.

Mr. Shaw was a US Army veteran and served in the occupational forces in Japan during World War II from 1945-46. For over fifty years he was a dedicated member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Southborough where he enjoyed singing in the choir and also served as treasurer. Ed was an active member of the Framingham Rotary . As avid musician, he started playing the bassoon in his younger years and quickly became a member of the Framingham Rotary Boys Band. He played in the People’s Symphony of Boston as well as several other community-based orchestras. Edmund and his wife, Mildred enjoyed traveling and visited Hawaii, the Bahamas, Ireland and many European countries.

All are invited to a graveside service that will be held on Tuesday, June 16, at 10 AM at North Cemetery, Old Sudbury Road, Rte 27, in Wayland.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 27 Main Street, Southborough, MA 01772

Funeral Arrangements are under the care of the Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main Street, Southborough

To leave words of condolence please visit Morrisfuneralparlor.com

(Obituary via  Morris Funeral Home)

Diane C. (Nolin) Provencher, 80, of Southborough died peacefully on Saturday, June 27, 2015 at Beaumont Rehab and Skilled Nursing Center in Westborough.

She was the beloved wife of Laval Provencher for the past 54 years.

Born in Pawtucket, she was the daughter of the late Leon and Florina (Riendeau) Nolin.

Diane was a 1957 graduate of Anna Maria College, majoring in music and attended Boston University’s Musical Program. She taught music for several years until she and Laval started their family. She had a lifelong involvement with music which included singing with community choral groups. She was fortunate to have been able to share her vocal gifts with her fellow residents at Beaumont right through her final week of life. Music was a deeply woven part of her, which she verbalized so eloquently in her final days when she said, “I have a song on my heart and always will.” Her deep love of music was only surpassed by her love for her family.

In addition to her husband she is survived by her children, Christine Heckendorf and her husband Amos of Southborough; Joan Lamy and her wife Michelle of Eastham; Marie Remy and her husband Scott of CO; Denise Perrin and her husband Adam of Wellesley; her sisters, Doris Letellier, Claire Pepin, Estelle Deldano all of RI; Alice Lapinsky and Theresa Oulette both of FL; her adored grandchildren, Matthew, Alex, Amber, Jeni, Bray, Luke, Drake, Lily and Violet; and her precious great grandchildren, Dexter and Chloe. 

She is predeceased by 2 siblings, Rene Nolin and Pauline ‘Sister Mary Frances’ Nolin.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, June 30, from 4 to 7 PM at the Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main St., Southborough.

A funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, July 1, at 10 AM at St. Anne Church, 20 Boston Rd, Southborough. Burial will follow in the Southborough Rural Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent in her memory to Knights of Columbus, 1 Main St., Southborough, MA 01772.

To leave words of condolence, please visit morrisfuneralparlor.com

(Obituary via Morris Funeral Home)

Alma Leola “Lee” (White) Vanni, 81, a Southborough resident for over 60 years, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, June 29, 2015. She was the devoted wife of the late Robert J. Vanni for 49 years.

Born in Canadian, Texas, she was the daughter of the late Leo and Alma (Davis) White. Lee, an avid artist, loved to paint and travel with her husband. Her passion was her family and she lovingly nurtured her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren over the many years.

She is survived by four children, Deborah Pojani and her husband Michael; Cynthia O’Neill and her husband John; William Vanni and wife Cheryl; Scott Vanni; her sister, Sylvia Humrich; 13 grandchildren, Michael Pojani, Shannon, Thomas, and Meghan O’Neill, Joseph, Jeremy, Joshua, Justin and Jacqueline Vanni, Evan Kelly, Taylor Carforio, and Nicholas and Jason Vanni; 8 great grandchildren. 

She is predeceased by her son Robert Vanni; her daughter in law Jeanne (St Michel) Vanni and her 2 sisters, Alice Stragey and Gwen Burke.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 7 at 10:30 AM at St Mathew Church, 26 Highland St., Southborough. Burial with will follow at Southborough Rural Cemetery.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, July 6, from 4-7 pm in the Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main St, Southborough.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VNA Hospice Care of MA, 199 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923.

To leave words of condolences for the family, please visit the Morrisfuneralparlor.com

(Obituary via Morris Funeral Home)

Robert Francis Levangie, 77, of Southborough died peacefully at his home on Saturday, July 4, 2015 after a lengthy illness. He was the beloved husband of Nancy (Mac Iver) Levangie.

Born in Weymouth, he was the son of the late Francis and Catherine (Hanifan) Levangie. Bob was a graduate of Archbishop Williams High School of Braintree; earned his bachelor’s degree from Boston College, and a master’s degree from Connecticut College. Bob was a chemist who worked for Pfizer, Inc., and Waters Assoc. before retiring from Polaroid Corp. in 1997. Bob was a member of Southborough Lion’s Club, Millwood Golf League, American Chemical Society, and St. Anne Church of Southborough.

In addition to his wife he is survived by his sons, Robert F. Levangie, Jr. of South Yarmouth; Michael W. Levangie and his wife Patricia of North Chatham and Frederick, MD; 2 grandchildren, William and Kate of North Chatham and Frederick, MD; a brother in law, William Mac Iver of Southborough. 

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, July 7, from 4 to 7PM at the Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main Street, Southborough.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, July 8, at 10 AM at St Anne Church, 20 Boston Road, Southborough. Burial will follow in Southborough Rural Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be sent in his memory to St. Anne Church, 20 Boston Rd, Southborough, MA 01772

To send words of condolence to the family, please visit morrisfuneralparlor.com

(Obituary via Morris Funeral Home)

Christopher J. Brovelli, 45, of Southborough died on Saturday, July 18, 2015.

He was the beloved son of John and Patricia (Gill) Brovelli of Southborough; loved brother of Lisa Kelley and her husband Michael of North Grafton; loving uncle of Jack and Elizabeth. He also leave many aunts, uncles and cousins, and he leaves his special buddy Boo.

Chris was a graduate of Algonquin Regional High School and enjoyed Cape Cod and Hampton Beach, as he loved the ocean. He was also a lover of music. However his greatest joy was spending time with his family and helping them.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 23, at 11 am at Southborough Rural Cemetery, 11 Cordaville Road, Rte 85. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent Framingham Heart Center, 112 Lincoln St. Framingham, MA 01702; or Advocates Community Care, 1881 Worcester Rd, Framingham, MA 01701

Arrangements are under the care of the Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main St., Southborough. To leave words of condolence to the family, please visit Morrisfuneralparlor.com

(Obituary via Morris Funeral Home)

Michael P. Bacon, 52, of Framingham and formerly of Southborough died on Tuesday, July 21, surrounded by his family.

Born in Worcester, he was the son of the late Harold ‘Duke’ and Frances (Bergin) Bacon.

Michael was raised in Southborough and attended Assebet Regional Technical High School.

He is survived by his siblings, Teresa Mauro and her husband Steven of South Grafton; Thomas Bacon of Southborough; Robert Bacon and his wife Dawn of Southborough; Dennis Bacon of Falmouth; Jim Bacon of Orlando;  many nieces and 2 nephews; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Services will be held at a later date. 

The Bacon family would like to thank the Advocates Community Care, Wellington Group for all the loving, kind  and  gentle care they gave to  Michael over the years.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main Street.  To send words of condolence to the family, please visit Morrisfuneralparlor.com

(Obituary via Morris Funeral Home)

Mari-Jo C. Harney, of Southborough, MA and formerly of Hopkinton, MA, died peacefully in the comfort of her home on July 24th, 2015, after a battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving husband, Joseph, and her sons, Joe, Jake and Justin. Mari-Jo was the daughter of Joseph F. and Esther (Grandy) Charlebois and was born in Potsdam, NY.

After graduating from D’Youville College’s (Buffalo, NY) Nursing Program in 1969, she moved to Boston, MA, where she met her husband Joseph. Mari-Jo worked as a Registered Nurse at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Newton Wellesley Hospital, where she taught young nurses surgical nursing. After a number of years instructing nurses, Mari-Jo recognized a need for the placement of nurses within local nursing homes and religious convent infirmaries. Mari-Jo and Joe raised their family in Hopkinton, MA, where they resided for over 25 years. In 1978, Mari-Jo established Professional Nursing Placement Services, Inc., a nurse-staffing agency. Acting as a pioneer in the healthcare industry, Mari-Jo identified another need to place private nurses and home health aides to assist with acute medical care and individual personal care services in the comfort of a one’s home. Mari-Jo was the agency’s Executive Director & Director of Nursing for over 35 years, and she dedicated her entire professional career to improving the health of her clients and their families. Mari-Jo also developed very close relationships with her employees and staff. Some of her closest friendships are with those who continue to have worked within the agency. Her success and longevity in the healthcare industry is a credit to her extraordinary caring nature and her persistent work ethic. Today, the agency has serviced over 3,500 elderly, disabled and sick patients in the Metro-West and Greater Boston area.

Mari-Jo was an avid golfer, artist and painter, although her true passion and joy were her grandchildren, Joey, Jack, Jimmy, Ryan, Timothy and Abigail. As a fixture at her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events over the years, she developed lifetime friendships with the many people she encountered. Mari-Jo was active in the community and her service was evident in the many networks and organizations she was a part of, especially the St. Sebastian’s Country Day School in Needham, where Mari-Jo was president of the Guild of St. Irene, an organization that works for the enhancement of St. Sebastian’s School through social, fundraising, and volunteer activities. She loved deeply her sons and their wives – Joseph & Jennifer, Jake & Christina, Justin & Meghan. She is survived by her husband, Joseph Harney, mother Esther Charlebois, siblings John, Dan, Patsy & Joe, and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2015, at the Chesmore Funeral Home, 57 Hayden Rowe St., Hopkinton, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Ignatius of Loyola Church, Chestnut Hill, on Friday, July 31, at 10:00 am. Please omit flowers. Donations may be made in the name of Mari-Jo C. Harney to D’Youville College Nursing Scholarship Fund, Buffalo, NY; St Sebastian’s School, Needham MA; Nativity Preparatory School, Boston and The Paraclete Academy, Boston MA.

(Obituary via Chesmore Funeral Home)

Al Rose of Southboro. Entered into rest August 8th, 2015 at 89.

Beloved husband of Beverly “Bunny” (Lesser) Rose. Devoted father of Scott & June Rose, Brad & Jeanille Rose, Sherry & Robert Heruska and Dean & Jennifer Rose. Loving brother of the late Sylvia Gershman and the late Irving and Sidney Rosenberg. Cherished grandfather of Jeffrey, Kate, Dylan, Jared, Jordan, Josh, the late David Rose, and great grandfather of Aiden.

Services will be at the Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, 1668 Beacon St. Brookline on Monday, August 10th, at 2pm.

Memorial observance will be at his late residence thru Thursday evening.

Expressions of sympathy in Al’s memory may be donated to the Aleppo Shriners Children’s Transportation Fund at the Aleppo Shrine Center, 99 Fordham Road, Wilmington, MA 01887 or at www.alepposhriners.com.

(Obituary via Dignity Memorial and Stanetsky Memorial Chapel)

Elma (MacMurray) Stipe Kunz, 94 of Southborough passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2015 surrounded by family and friends.

She was the wife of the late Hans Kunz and J. Gordon Stipe.

Elma was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Mt. Holyoke College, majoring in French. She taught English as a second language. Among the several companies she taught for was World Language Center in Marlborough. Elma was a proud active member of the Girls Scouts for 86 years. She was also an active member of Pilgrim Church in Southborough.

She is survived by her children, Peter Stipe and his wife Debra of Williamsburg, VA; Grace-Anne Benoudiba of France; her grandchildren, David Stipe and his wife Teri of Charlottesville, VA; Carey Stipe of Silver Springs MD; Daniel Benoudiba and his wife Anne of Holliston; Tina El Mohandes and her husband Wael of France and 6 great grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be held on Monday, August 10, at 11 AM at Pilgrim Church, Common Street, Southborough. Burial will follow in the Southborough Rural Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be sent in her memory to Girls Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, 95 Berkley St., # 404, Boston, MA 02116, www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/donate.

Arrangements are under the care of the Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main St. Southborough. to leave words of condolence to the family, please visit Morrisfuneralparlor.com

(Obituary via Morris Funeral Home)

Bette Lou (Grimes) Madison, 80, of Clinton and formerly a longtime resident of Southborough, died on Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at The Reservoir of Marlborough, after long illness.

She was the beloved wife of Joseph J. Madison for 60 years.

Bette Lou was a devoted wife and mother, who raised her children before she went back to school to become a dental assistant and lab tech. She worked for several years as a lab tech for a bio-tech company. Hiking, gardening and the beach were a few of the things she enjoyed most about being outdoors. Bette Lou was an active member of St Anne Church of Southborough where she served on the Parish Council and participated in the Bible Study Group. 

In addition to her husband she is survived by her children, Craig Madison of Marlborough; Susanne Madison of Clinton; Meredith Madison of Lancaster; a son in law David Jeffries of Swansea; a sister Carol Allen of Mill Valley CA; 3 grandchildren, Christopher Jeffries and Benjamin and Zachary Sousa.

She was predeceased by her daughter, Kimberly Jeffries.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, August 21, from 4 to 7 PM at the Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main St. Southborough.

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 22, at 10 AM at St Anne Church, 20 Boston Rd, Southborough. Burial will follow in the Southborough Rural Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be sent in her memory to Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472, ALZ.org

To leave words of condolence to the family, please visit Morrisfuneralparlor.com

(Obituary via Morris Funeral Home)

Sandra (Bertonazzi) Cincotta, 74, of Sebago, ME, and formerly a long time resident of Southborough, died peacefully on Thursday, August 27, 2015.

She was the beloved wife of Richard Cincotta for the past 55 years.

Born in Framingham, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Helen (Monette) Bertonazzi.

Sandy attended school in Southborough and for many years she was the 2nd chef for Font-Bon Hall in Framingham. She had a passion for fast cars and motorcycles. Sandy spent many hours customizing automobiles and motorcycles, and won many top trophies for them all. As much as she took pleasure in collecting trophies for her custom vehicles, her greatest joy was spending time with her family. 

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son, Richard Cincotta and his life partner, Chuck Dilts of Southborough; her aunt Lana Connors of Southborough; and her cousins Vicky Noberini and Carol Ostresh among many other relatives.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, September 3, from 5 to 8 PM at the Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main Street, Southborough.

A funeral home service will be held at 11AM on Friday, September 4, at Morris Funeral Home. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in her memory to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Box 849168, Boston, MA 02248.

To leave words of condolence to the family, please visit morrisfuneralparlor.com.

(Obituary via Morris Funeral Home)

Donna Jean Piper, 62, of Southborough died at Marlborough Hospital on Sunday, September 6, 2015 after being stricken ill at home.

Born in Marlborough, she was the daughter of A. Keith Piper of Southborough and the late Betty J. (Raven ) Piper.

Donna was a 1971 graduate of Algonquin Regional High School in Northborough and earned her bachelor’s and two master’s degrees in Counseling and Education from Framingham State University.

She was an instructional aide in the teaching of special education at the Luther Burbank Middle School, in Lancaster. Donna just received her 20 year certificate from the Nashoba Regional School district. She was a member of American Coaster Enthusiasts and has ridden over 1000 different roller coasters in United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Scandinavia, Great Britain and Ireland.

In addition to her father she is survived by several aunts and uncles and many cousins, as well as her work colleagues, friend Janice Good and other fellow members of ACE. 

Visiting hours will be on Thursday, September 10, from 5 to 7PM at Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main Street, Southborough.

A funeral home service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, September 11, at 10 AM. Burial will follow in the Southborough Rural Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be sent in her name to The Preservation Fund, American Coaster Enthusiasts, Box 540261, Grand Prairie, TX 75054.

To leave words of condolence to the family, please visit Morrisfuneralparlor.com

(Obituary via Morris Funeral Home)